Apparatus for producing branch fittings



March 7, 1939. J s, COE 2,149,508

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING BANGH FITTINGS Filed April 22, 1956 s sheets-sheet 1 :s sheets-sheet J. S. COE

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING BRANCH FITTINGS l||iillnmjhv Filed April 22, 1936 March 7, 1939f March 7, 1939. J. s. coE

APPARATUS FOR PRODUGING BRANCH FITTINGS Filed April 22, 1936 3 SheetKs-Sh'eet 3 Patented Mar. 7, 1939 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS Fon. PnonUomG BRANCH FITTINGS John S. Coe, Waterbury,Conn., assignor to The Chase Companies, Incorporated, Waterbury, Conn., a corporation oi' Connecticut Application April 22, 1936, Serial No. 75,699

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvement in apparatus for producing branch-fittings, such, for instance, as Ts, crosses, Ys, etc., for pipes and tubing.

The invention is primarily adapted for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings for telescopic engagement with tubes or other pipes which are designed to be sweat-soldered thereto, though it will be obvious that the Ts and other branch-fittings produced by the present invention may be utilized in other types of installations.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide asuperior apparatus for economically producing seamless wrought-metal branch-littings of adequate strength and rigidity.

A further object is to provide a method for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings which may be carried out in a simple, reliable and eiective manner, without occasioning undue wear or breakage of the apparatus employed.

A still further object is to provide a superior apparatus whereby branch-ttings may be produced from tubular blanks Without occasioning undue thinning of the branches deflected from such tubular blanks.

Another object is to provide a superior method and apparatus for producing seamless wroughtmetal branch-ttings rapidly and economically.

With the above and other objects in view, as will appear to those skilled in the art from the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, the present invention includes all features disclosed therein which are novel over the prior art.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of a tubular blank from which a seamless wrought-metal T may be formed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view thereof in transverse section taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a broken view mainly in elevation and partly in longitudinal section illustrating the blank in place upon one mandrel-section just prior to the insertion of the complementary many drel-section into the said blank, and prior to the closing of the two-part die thereover;

Fig. 4 is a broken view partly in elevation and partly in longitudinal section showing the tubular blank in place in the apparatus just prior to applying pressure to the respective opposite ends of the said blank;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 5--5 of Fig. 4;

. in the manner indicated in Figs. 15 and 16;

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4, but showing the material of the tubular blank deflected into the form of a T;

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 1--1 of Fig. 6; 5

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the mandrei-sections:

Fig. 9 is a similar view of the other mandrelsection;

Fig. 10 is a broken perspective view o1 the branch mandrel or guide-post;

Fig. 11 is a view in side elevation of the T after removal from the apparatus;

Fig. 12 is a similar view but partly in section showing the T of Fig. l1 as having its terminals expanded to provide sockets for the telescopic reception of tubing or other piping;

Fig. 13 is a broken view in elevation of a section of tubing, showing th-e perforations thereof prior to expanding the edges of such perforations Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line Ill-I4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view in side elevation of a tubular blank suitable for the production of crosses in the apparatus of Fig. 17;

Fig. 16 is a. View thereof in end elevation;

Fig. 17 is a broken sectional view of an apparatus for producing crosses, with parts of the apparatus shown in positions which they assume upon the completion of the deilection of the blank into the form of a cross; and

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line I8-l8 of Fig. 17.

The particular apparatus herein chosen for the illustration of the present invention in Figs. 3 to 12 inclusive includes a pair of complementary die-blocks 20 and 2| which are held in registration with each other by suitable dowel pins 22 and whichare separable from each/ other to 4 permit the insertion of blanks and the removal of formed Ts. Each die-block is formed in its inner face with a T-shaped channel of semicircular form in cross-section comprising a main bore or channel 23 and a branch bore or channel 45 24. When the die-blocks are engaged with each other as shown particularly Well in Figs. 5 and 7, the T-shaped channel of one die-block registers with and complements the similar channel of the other die-block and forms a T-shaped channel 50 of substantially circular form in cross-section. At each of the respective opposite ends of the die-blocks, the main bore or channel 23 is enlarged to form a bearing-recess 25 accommodating the cylindrical bearing-portion 26 of a com- .55

offsetting from the mandrel-section 29. WhenV the two mandrel-sections are nested together as illustrated in Figs.` 4 to 7 inclusive, they provide a smooth cylindrical composite mandrel over which a suitable tubular blank may be forcedl in a manner as will hereinafter appear.

The upper surface of the tongue 38 of the mandrel-section 28 is formed with a short radial deflecting-post or boss 34, formed integral with the said tongue and having a curved deflectingsurface merging smoothly into the periphery of the latter. In its upper end the deflecting-post 34 is formed with a socket 35 adapted to snugly receive a locating-tenen 36 projecting from the lower end of a branch mandrel or guide-post 31 which fits Within the branch channel 24 of the die cavity.

For the dual purpose of accurately locating the branch mandrel 31 in the branch channel 24 of the dies and holding the same against outward axial displacement, the said branch mandrel is formed with a rib 38 extending completely around its periphery and abutting at its upper edge against a stop-shoulder 39 formed in the dieblocks 20 and 2| by constricting the outer end of the respective branch channels 24, as at 40.

The outer end of each of the mandrel-sections 28 and 29 is formed with a flange-like head 4| fitting within the interior of the compressionhead 21 and on occasion engaging with an outwardly-facing stop-shoulder 42 therein. The

compression-head 21 has the outer end of its bore 43 threaded for the reception of the externallythreaded iiange 44 of a cap 45. Bearing at its outer end against the inner face of the cap 45 is a spring 46 having its inner end bearing against the outer face of the head 4| of the adjacent one of the mandrel-sections 28 or 29 as the case may be.

Each compression-head 21 is formed at its inner end with a tubular compression-sleeve 41 having an external diameter enabling it to snugly slide against the adjacent portion of the surface of the main bore or channel 23 in the die-blocks. Similarly, the internal diameter of each of the compression-sleeves 41 is proportioned to snugly engage with a sliding fit the periphery of the mandrel-sections 28 and 29 as the case may be.

A tubular blank 48 suitable for conversion into a T is shown particularly well in Figs. 1 and 2. This tubular blank is formed of suitable wrought metal, such, for instance, as copper, brass, etc., having a suitable degree of ductility, and preparatory to its being positioned in the apparatus, it is provided about midway of its length with a lateral opening 49 located in substantially the position from which it is desired to extend a tubular branch.

'I'he tubular blank 48 which is open at its respective opposite ends may be slipped over the tongue 30 of the mandrel-section 28 and over the deecting-post 34 thereof by first positioning it with reference to the said tongue and post, as indicated by broken lines in Fig. 3, and then positioning the said blank so that the deilectlngpost 34 projects through the lateral opening 49 as indicated by full lines in Fig. 3.

The branch mandrel or guide-post 31 may now have its tenon 36 inserted into the socket 35 of the deecting-post 34 and the complementary die-blocks 20 and 2| brought together over the blank and over the mandrels and compressionheads as indicated particularly well in Figs. 4 and 5. When the die-blocks are closed as just described, the branch mandrel 31 serves by means of its tenon 35 to stabilize the main mandrel which is composed of the mandrel-sections 28 and 29. The said branch mandrel is itself stabilized and accurately located by the engagement of its annular rib 38 with the stop-shoulder 39 of the die-blocks and by the close-fitting of the outer portion of the branch bore or channel 24 with the portions of the periphery of the said branch mandrel located at and beyond its annular rib 38. The die-blocks 20 and 2| are held in accurate registration by the dowel pins 22 and may be rmly held against separation by any suitable holding means.

If now suitableV axial pressure is applied to the faces of the caps 45 of each of the compressionheads 21 the tubular compression-sleeves 41 thereof will press upon respective opposite ends of the tubular blank and ultimately force the material of the said blank surrounding its opening 49 g into engagement with the deecting-post 35 by which latter the `material will be deflected upwardly into the tubular space between the branch mandrel 31 and the branch bore or channel 24 in the die-blocks as is shown in Figs. 6 and '7. To l form a T having its branch extending perpendicularly with respect to the body or run of the T, the force exerted upon the two compression-heads 21 should not only be simultaneously exerted, but should move the said compression-heads to sub- 4 stantially the same degree. If, however, the type of T commonly referred to as a Y is to be made, the branch-cavity in the die-blocks would be appropriately inclined and the amount of movement imparted to the respective compression- 4 heads would naturally diiier in accordance with the degree of inclination of the branch of the tting.

It is preferable that both the periphery of the mandrels and the interior surfaces of the T- E shaped channel in the die-blocks be coated with a suitable lubricant to facilitate the flow of metal as described.

The die-blocks 20 and 2| may now be unclamped and separated, as indicated by broken l lines in Fig. 7, after which the branch mandrel 31 may be Withdrawn from the branch 50 ofthe newly-formed T, which latter also includes a body or run 5| (Fig. ll). The next step in removing the T from the apparatus is to Withdraw the t mandrel-section 29 therefrom after which the T may be lifted suiiiciently to raise its branch 50 above the deflecting-post 34, whereupon the said T may be withdrawn axially from over the tongue 38 of the mandrel-section 28 in a manner sub- 4 stantially reverse from that described for installing the tubular blank 48 in connection with the showing of Fig. 3.

After removal from the apparatus, the newlyformed T may have its terminals trimmed to 7 correct any unevenness, if such unevenness exists, and if a three-Way male T is desired, the T may be left in the form in which it is shown in Fig. 11. To produce bell-mouthed Ts, it is only necessary to take the T of the form shown in 7 Fig. 11 and expand such of its terminals as may I be desired to provide sockets for the telescopic reception of pipes, tubing or other fittings. In Fig. 12 is shown a T having each of its three terminals expanded to provide bell-mouthed terminals or sockets S and 5I-5I.

In Figs. 17 and 18, an apparatus is shown for producing a type of branch-fitting commonlycal tenon 55 fitting into a suitable cavity formed between the abutting inner ends of a pair of corresponding branch mandrels, generally designated by the numerals 56 and 51.

Each branch mandrel is. of circular form in cross-section throughout its main portion and is composed of three parts, including a centralmember 58 and two corresponding side-members 59-59. Like the branch mandrel 31 of the apparatus previously described, the branch mandrels 56 and 51 are each formed with an annular rib 60 designed to be gripped in the die-blocks.

The inner portion of the central-section 58 of each branch mandrel 56 and 51 is tapered toward its inner end where it abuts against the similar central-section of the complementary branch mandrel. Each side-section 59-59 is shaped to lt its complementary tapered central-section and to produce, together therewith, a three-part mandrel of substantially-circular form in cross-section throughout the major portion of its length.

In the apparatus of Figs. 1'1 and 18, each sidesection 59 of each of the branch mandrels 56 and 51 is formed with a lateral boss or projection 6| shaped to form one-half of a deflecting-post and constituting, together with the similar projection of the abutting one of the side-sections of the other branch mandrel, a rigid deecting-post designed to discharge the same function as the deiiecting-pcst 34 before described.

In providing a tubular blank 62 (Figs. l5 and 16) for the formation of crosses, it is preferable that -the said blank be formed centrally at its 'respective opposite sides with Alow embryonic' branches 63-63. 'I'hese embryonic branches are of circular form in cross-section and may be conveniently produced by providing a length of tubing 64, shown in Figs. 13 and 14, with oval perforations 65 at diametrically-opposite points and then, by means of a balling operation or by drawing a suitable tool through such perforations in a manner familiar to those engaged in the art of producing wrought-metal articles, to produce the so-called embryonic branches 63-63 of the blank shown in Figs. 15 and 16.

drawn from the newly-formed cross, preferably after the dies havebeen separated. Now, by first withdrawing the central-section 58 of each of the branch mandrels 56 and 61, the respective side-sections 59-59 of each mandrel may be displaced sulciently to clear its lateral projection 6| from the main run of the cross and permit the axial withdrawal of such side-sections.

By means of the apparatus and method herein described, branch-fittings may be produced in which the branches which are deflected from the blank are not unduly thinned. Furthermore, the apparatus is of a durable and low-cost character and may be operated with such facility that branch-fittings may be manufactured at a rapid rate and at low cost.

The invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without vdeparting from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention and the present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

I claim: l

1. An apparatus for producing Wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a mandrel designed and adapted to t within a tubular blank; a xed non-flowing deecting-post leading laterally from the said mandrel intermediate the ends thereof and rigidly related thereto; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said rigid deilecting-post for lateral deflection Athereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressing-means; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deecting-post.

2. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: afmain mandrel designed and adapted to t within a tubular blank; a xed non-iiowing deilectingpost leading laterally from the said main mandrel intermediate theends thereof and rigidly related thereto; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said main mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said rigid deecting-post for lateral deflection thereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressing means; a branch mandrel leading outwardly from the said deflecting-post; and diemeans having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deflecting-post and branch-mandrel.

3. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a two-l part mandrel designed and adapted to t within a tubular blank; a fixed non-flowing deflectingpost leading laterally from the said two-part mandrel intermediate the ends thereof and rigidly related thereto; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said two-part mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardlyalong the said mandrel and against the said rigid defiecting-post for lateral deflection thereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressing-means; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said delecting-po'st.

4. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-ttings including in combination: al twopart mandrel designed and adapted to llt within a tubular blank; `a rigid deilecting-post ilxed and non-flowing formed integral with and laterally oil-setting from one part of the said twopart mandrel; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said two-part mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said integral deflecting-post for lateral deiiection thereby; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deecting-post.

5. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal I branch-fittings including in combination: a twopart main mandrel designed and adapted to fit within a tubular blank; a fixed non-flowing defiecting-post leading laterally from the said twopart main mandrel intermediate the ends thereof `and rigidly related thereto; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said two-part main mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandred and against the said rigid deiiecting-post for lateral deflection thereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressing-means; a branch mandrel leading outwardly from the said deflecting-post; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank andan opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deflecting-post and branchmandrel.

6. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a twopart main mandrel designed and adapted to lit within a tubular blank; a rigid xed and nonfiowing deflecting-post formed integral with and laterally oil-setting from one part of the said two-part main mandrel; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said twopart main mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said integral deflecting-post for lateral deflection thereby; a branch mandrel leading outwardly from and interlocked with the said deilecting-post; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an 4opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deecting-post and branchmandrel.

7. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a mandrel designed and adapted to fit within a tubular y blank; a fixed non-flowing deflecting-post leadsubstantially equal to the desired thickness of the material deflected from the said blank.

8. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a main with respect to the said main mandrel to force' the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said deectingpost for lateral deflection thereby; a branch mandrel leading outwardly from the said deilectingpost; and a separable die having a main channel receiving the said tubular blank and a branch channel leading laterally from the said main channel and receiving the said branch mandrel, the wall of the said branch channel being spaced from the said deflecting-post and the said branch mandrel a distance substantially corresponding to the desired thickness of the material deflected from the said tubular blank.

9. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a mandrel designed and adapted to fit within the tubular blank; a fixed non-flowing outwardly-tapering deiiecting-post leading laterally from the said mandrel and rigidly related thereto; compressingmeans movable axially with respect to the said mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the said rigid outwardly-tapering deflecting-post for lateral deflection thereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressing-means; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deecting-post.

10. An apparatus for producing wroughtmetal branch-fittings including in combination: a mandrel designed and adapted to fit Within a tubular blank; a fixed non-ilowing deiiectingpost leading laterally from the said mandrel and outwardly curved to smoothly merge into the surface of the said mandrel and rigidly related thereto; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank inwardly along the' said mandrel and against the said rigid curved deectingpost for lateral deflection thereby into cylindrical form by the force of the said compressingmeans; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deflecting-post.

11. An apparatus for producing wroughtmetal branch-iittings including in combination: a two-part mandrel designed and adapted to t "within a tubular blank; a deflecting-post leading laterally from the said two-part mandrel; interlocking-means serving to interlock the parts of the said two-part mandrel against lateral movement with respect to each other; compressingmeans movable axially with respect to the said two-part mandrel to force the material of a tubu- Vlar blank inwardly along the said ymandrel and against the said deflecting-post for lateral deflection thereby; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening vleading laterally from the said channel in alignment with the said deflecting-post.

l2. An apparatus for producing wrought-metal branch-fittings including in combination: a main mandrel designed and adapted to t within a tubular blank; a iixed non-flowing branch mandrel engageable with and disengageable from the said main mandrel and normally leading laterally therefrom intermediate the ends thereof, the said branch mandrel being formed with a deecting-surface merging smoothly into the surface of the said main mandrel when the said branch mandrel is in place; compressing-means movable axially with respect to the said main mandrel to force the material of the said blank inwardly along the said mandrel and against the deecting-surface with the said branch mandrel for lateral .deflection thereby; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel in line with the said branch-mandrel.

13. A method for producing branch-ttings including: laterally-piercing a tubular metal blank intermediate its respective opposite ends and applying endwise pressure to the said blank `and deflecting an intermediate portion thereof against a xed non-uid deecting-post to produce a tubular cylindrical branch on said tubular blank solely by means of the said endwise pressure.

14. An apparatus` for producing Wroughtmetal branch-fittings including in combination: a multipart mandrel designed and adapted to t within a tubular blank and certain parts of which overlap and are divided from each other along a longitudinal parting-line; a fixed non-flowing deecting-post leading laterally from the said multipart mandrel intermediate the ends thereof compressing means movable axially with respect to the said multipart mandrel to force the material of a tubular blank against the said deflecting-post for lateral deection thereby; and die-means having a channel receiving the said tubular blank and an opening leading laterally from the said channel.

JOHN S. COE. 

